Today we’d like to introduce you to Donavan Harper
Hi Donavan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I always wanted to be behind a camera or in front of it . It started back in 2004 I had a TV production class at River Rouge Highschool. I actually meet my producer back in 2021 June. My Dj had canceled on me a day before my wedding , someone broke into his home. At the time my therapist, I was telling her about my issue and how it was crunch time and I didn’t don’t know what to do. So she introduced me to Princess who is now my producer and friend. She came out and saved my wedding.
We connected about her radio station 9397 Network and I started a podcast at the time with my family. We all had different outlooks on what radio and podcast was so we spilt up.
But me and my sister at the time we stayed on the show and there was days we couldn’t anyone to listen to us or even come on the show. Lots of nights just talking to nobody..
One day I just overbooked us with 7 guest and 5 showed up , so we continued to over book and create a rotating cast.
From there we branded into one of the newest shows to hit the market. With our many different personalities and backgrounds. That’s all she wrote and everything from there is a blur as we are now headed into 2025 into our newly remodeled studio located in Club Legacy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hell No 😂, I know pot holes smoother then the shit we been through yo even get here. Wait can I cruse I’m sorry if I can’t . One of the biggest issues is attracting a winning formula and team that believes in your dream just as much as you do.
Artist that book and cancel minutes before a live show, is so frustrating especially after promoting and money is already spent.
One of my biggest struggles is to keep the team focus on the long goal and it’s because I was looking for people instead of letting God send me good people with skills and assets that would take this show further.
There were nights we didn’t sell any tickets, having 0 listeners and 0 supporters. Fighting for a spot in a already overcrowded industry.
Meeting people in the industry and learning your values don’t always align but still being able to make savvy business decisions. Especially when it’ comes to the business side of things and losing people out of your support circle.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I curate each episode , design and target audiences to bring our vision to life. I make ideas on paper flourish like mamas cook book on Sunday morning. I’m the owner and radio personality on We Outside the show and radio personality on hot 9397 Network.
Im know for my raw and mass energy. Speaking my mind with disregard to others. Life is short and I speak my mind and thoughts with no consequences but in a tasteful and entertaining manner.
Proud of the journey so far and the heartaches that have come and not come yet. These things have help create a beautiful and fulfilling experience building this amazing show. We Outside the show.
We are raw and real, unscripted. No agenda to push . We allow people to be whoever they are in a safe space free from interference and intimidation.
We can cry and laugh , have a smoke or a drink.
We are more then a show we are your favorite cousins and you had a long week and it’s time to let it all go .
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Enjoy the heartache because when it’s over it’s over. Don’t worry about perfection or permission from others. Stand tall and make your dreams come true. Because nobody is coming to save you. You have to save you and endure the pain but when the sunshine’s you know it was worth it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weoutsidetheshow and https://www.instagram.com/9397network
- LinkedIn: https://tunein.com/radio/Hot-9397-s277088/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@9397Network
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/1922LwfCQX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
9397 Network
